“Did your aunt like that you made the book about her?”

I think Aunt Lucy had her doubts that her life was interesting enough, or that I would do a good job telling her story, or that I would tell the right story. When I sent her a copy of the finished book I wasn’t certain what she’d say. My aunt was a smart and astute critic. To my delight she approved of Letters From Rifka and felt a quiet pride at being the inspiration for it. How sweet her approval tasted to me. Her children and grandchildren were also tickled to have their mom’s life recorded, honored, and celebrated in such a way.